Smartphone AddictionNCT07379541
Meditation-Based Online Psychological Intervention
A study testing Mindfulness of Death (MoD) - 16-Day Online Meditation Course and Mindful Breathing Practice (MBP) - 16-Day Online Meditation Course in people with Smartphone Addiction, run by Beijing Normal University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
As the primary users of smartphones, emerging adults represent a key population for such research. Using a randomised controlled trial, the investigators compared mindfulness-of-death meditation with traditional mindfulness meditation to evaluate the unique effects of the former on problematic smartphone use. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 29 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Smartphone Addiction
- What is being tested?
- Mindfulness of Death (MoD) - 16-Day Online Meditation Course and Mindful Breathing Practice (MBP) - 16-Day Online Meditation Course
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 259 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 23 Feb 2025to 25 Apr 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 29 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- reported no current or past psychiatric diagnosis,
- exhibited problematic smartphone use,
- and had a mean daily screen-on time exceeding four hours.
Who cannot join
- aged <18 or ≥30 years;
- any current or past psychiatric diagnosis;
- self-reported absence of problematic smartphone use;
- mean daily smartphone use ≤4 hours;
- currently enrolled in any meditation-based intervention;
- use of psychoactive medication or concurrent psychological treatment;
- participation in another psychological intervention trial.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Mindfulness-of-Death Meditation on Problematic Smartphone Use in Emerging Adulthood
As the primary users of smartphones, emerging adults represent a key population for such research. Using a randomised controlled trial, the investigators compared mindfulness-of-death meditation with traditional mindfulness meditation to evaluate the unique effects of the former on problematic smartphone use. The investigators also examined potential psychological pathways-namely increases in self-esteem and meaning in life, and reductions in perceived stress-through which the intervention may exert its benefits.
- Conditions
- Smartphone Addiction
- Being tested
- Mindfulness of Death (MoD) - 16-Day Online Meditation Course, Mindful Breathing Practice (MBP) - 16-Day Online Meditation Course
- Medical subject headings
- Internet Addiction Disorder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Mindfulness of Death (MoD) - 16-Day Online Meditation CourseBehavioural
The Mindfulness of Death (MoD) intervention is a 16-day online meditation program designed to cultivate awareness of death. The course consists of 16 daily sessions (approximately 20 minutes each), including brief psychoeducational content and guided meditation practice. The initial sessions focus on breathing-based mindfulness to establish attentional stability, followed by mindfulness of death practices that emphasize the inevitability and uncertainty of death while encouraging attention to life and the present moment. The intervention adopts a non-religious approach and does not require participants to hold any religious or spiritual beliefs.
Mindful Breathing Practice (MBP) - 16-Day Online Meditation CourseBehavioural
The Mindful Breathing Practice (MBP) intervention is a 16-day online meditation program designed to cultivate present-moment awareness by intentionally anchoring attention on the natural rhythm of breathing. The course consists of 16 daily sessions (approximately 15 minutes each), including brief instructional guidance and guided mindful breathing exercises. Participants are guided to observe the bodily sensations of inhalation and exhalation (e.g., the airflow at the nostrils or the rise and fall of the abdomen) and, when attention wanders, to gently bring it back to the breath with a non-judgmental and accepting attitude. The intervention adopts a non-religious approach, involves no spiritual or religious content, and is suitable for the general population.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Meditation Intervention Group | Experimental | A 16-day mindfulness-based curriculum was implemented as the intervention, with participants completing one 20-min session daily via the online platform. Receives: Behavioral: Mindful Breathing Practice (MBP) - 16-Day Online Meditation Course |
| Mindfulness-of-Death Group | Experimental | A 16-day mindfulness-of-death curriculum was implemented as the intervention, with participants completing one 20 min online session daily. Receives: Behavioral: Mindfulness of Death (MoD) - 16-Day Online Meditation Course |
| Wait-list Control Group | No intervention | Wait-list Control Group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Smartphone Addiction Scale
Participants' problematic smartphone use was assessed using the 33-item Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) [Kwon et al., 2013]. Although the original scale employed a 6-point response format, the present study utilized a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (almost never) to 5 (almost always; α = .88). The scale comprises six dimensions: daily disturbance, positive anticipation, withdrawal symptoms, online intimacy, excessive use, and tolerance. Higher total scores indicate greater severity of problematic smartphone use.
Measured: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Secondary outcomes (6)
Perceived Stress Scale-10
Participants' perceived stress was assessed using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) [Cohen et al., 1983; Chen et al., 2021]. The validated Chinese version [Chen, Tian, Zhang, et al., 2021] was employed in the present study. Items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (always; α = .78-.91). The scale consists of two dimensions: perceived helplessness and self-efficacy belief. Six items assessing self-efficacy belief were reverse-scored. Higher total scores reflect elevated levels of perceived stress.
Measured: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale
Participants' mindfulness was assessed using the 10-item Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) [Cardaciotto et al., 2008; Zeng et al., 2015]. The validated Chinese version [Zeng, Li, Zhang, \& Liu, 2015] was employed in the present study. Items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (always; awareness subscale α = .82; acceptance/avoidance subscale α = .80). The scale comprises two dimensions: awareness and acceptance/avoidance. Five items assessing acceptance/avoidance were reverse-scored. Higher total scores indicate greater mindfulness.
Measured: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Self-Control Scale for College Students
Participants' self-control was assessed using the 19-item Self-Control Scale for College Students [Tangney et al., 2004; Tan \& Guo, 2008]. The validated Chinese version [Tan \& Guo, 2008] was employed in the present study. Items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very much; α = .85). The scale comprises five dimensions: impulse control, health habits, resisting temptation, focused work, and moderation in entertainment. Higher total scores reflect greater self-control.
Measured: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Boredom Proneness Scale-Short Form
Participants' boredom proneness was assessed using the 12-item Short Form of the Boredom Proneness Scale (BPS-SF) [Vodanovich et al., 2005]. Items were rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree; external stimulation deficiency α = .81; internal stimulation deficiency α = .78). The scale comprises two dimensions: external stimulation deficiency and internal stimulation deficiency. Six items assessing internal stimulation deficiency were reverse-scored. Higher total scores indicate greater boredom proneness.
Measured: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Three-Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale
Participants' meaning in life was assessed using the 11-item Three-Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale (3DM) [Martela \& Steger, 2016]. Items were rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 7 (very much; purpose α = .90; coherence α = .84; significance α = .86). The scale comprises three dimensions: purpose, coherence, and significance. Higher total scores reflect greater meaning in life.
Measured: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory
Participants' time perspective was assessed using the 25-item Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) [Zimbardo \& Boyd, 1999]. Items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (very uncharacteristic) to 5 (very characteristic; past-positive α = .79; past-negative α = .82; present-hedonistic α = .84; present-fatalistic α = .74; future α = .84). The scale comprises five dimensions: past-positive, past-negative, present-hedonistic, present-fatalistic, and future. Higher subscale scores indicate stronger orientation toward that particular time perspective.
Measured: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Jan 2026
- Study start23 Feb 2025
- Primary completion25 Apr 2025
- Study completion25 Apr 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Smartphone AddictionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 259 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Beijing Normal University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, li,xinyi, Beijing Normal University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07379541
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BNU-poslab-MLD-2025
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: The decision regarding sharing individual participant data (IPD) has not yet been finalized. Data may be shared in de-identified form after publication, depending on ethical approval and institutional policies at that time.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Mindfulness-of-Death Meditation on Problematic Smartphone Use in Emerging Adulthood
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07379541
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BNU-poslab-MLD-2025
- Conditions
- Smartphone Addiction
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 259 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Beijing Normal UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 23 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Apr 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 30 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
As the primary users of smartphones, emerging adults represent a key population for such research. Using a randomised controlled trial, the investigators compared mindfulness-of-death meditation with traditional mindfulness meditation to evaluate the unique effects of the former on problematic smartphone use. The investigators also examined potential psychological pathways-namely increases in self-esteem and meaning in life, and reductions in perceived stress-through which the intervention may exert its benefits.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Meditation Intervention Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Mindful Breathing Practice (MBP) - 16-Day Online Meditation CourseA 16-day mindfulness-based curriculum was implemented as the intervention, with participants completing one 20-min session daily via the online platform. |
| Mindfulness-of-Death Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Mindfulness of Death (MoD) - 16-Day Online Meditation CourseA 16-day mindfulness-of-death curriculum was implemented as the intervention, with participants completing one 20 min online session daily. |
| Wait-list Control Group | No intervention | –Wait-list Control Group |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 29 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- reported no current or past psychiatric diagnosis,
- exhibited problematic smartphone use,
- and had a mean daily screen-on time exceeding four hours.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- aged <18 or ≥30 years;
- any current or past psychiatric diagnosis;
- self-reported absence of problematic smartphone use;
- mean daily smartphone use ≤4 hours;
- currently enrolled in any meditation-based intervention;
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness of Death (MoD) - 16-Day Online Meditation CourseThe Mindfulness of Death (MoD) intervention is a 16-day online meditation program designed to cultivate awareness of death. The course consists of 16 daily sessions (approximately 20 minutes each), including brief psychoeducational content and guided meditation practice. The initial sessions focus on breathing-based mindfulness to establish attentional stability, followed by mindfulness of death practices that emphasize the inevitability and uncertainty of death while encouraging attention to life and the present moment. The intervention adopts a non-religious approach and does not require participants to hold any religious or spiritual beliefs. | Behavioural | Mindfulness-of-Death Group |
| Mindful Breathing Practice (MBP) - 16-Day Online Meditation CourseThe Mindful Breathing Practice (MBP) intervention is a 16-day online meditation program designed to cultivate present-moment awareness by intentionally anchoring attention on the natural rhythm of breathing. The course consists of 16 daily sessions (approximately 15 minutes each), including brief instructional guidance and guided mindful breathing exercises. Participants are guided to observe the bodily sensations of inhalation and exhalation (e.g., the airflow at the nostrils or the rise and fall of the abdomen) and, when attention wanders, to gently bring it back to the breath with a non-judgmental and accepting attitude. The intervention adopts a non-religious approach, involves no spiritual or religious content, and is suitable for the general population. | Behavioural | Mindfulness-Meditation Intervention Group |
Primary outcome
Smartphone Addiction Scale
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Participants' problematic smartphone use was assessed using the 33-item Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) [Kwon et al., 2013]. Although the original scale employed a 6-point response format, the present study utilized a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (almost never) to 5 (almost always; α = .88). The scale comprises six dimensions: daily disturbance, positive anticipation, withdrawal symptoms, online intimacy, excessive use, and tolerance. Higher total scores indicate greater severity of problematic smartphone use.
6 secondary outcomes
Perceived Stress Scale-10
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Self-Control Scale for College Students
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Boredom Proneness Scale-Short Form
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Three-Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory
Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. The decision regarding sharing individual participant data (IPD) has not yet been finalized. Data may be shared in de-identified form after publication, depending on ethical approval and institutional policies at that time.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Mindfulness of Death (MoD) - 16-Day Online Meditation Course and Mindful Breathing Practice (MBP) - 16-Day Online Meditation Course in people with Smartphone Addiction, run by Beijing Normal University at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Smartphone Addiction Scale (time frame: Baseline, post-intervention (Day 16), and one-month follow-up). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Feb 2026.